Imagine a conceptual and contemporary fashion research project between designer, theater director, traditional textile folk artisans and fresh young interpreters. Pioneers of Change festival of Dutch art, design and architecture [co-founded and directed by idea catalysts and superstars Droog Design] is serving as the canvas for just such a collaboration. Treasure Island is the joint collaborative effort of Painted Series three Dutch designers; Saskia van Drimmelen, Desirée Hammen, Margreet Sweerts.
The Painted Series designers are working together with traditional native American bead masters Joyce, Juanita and Jessica Growing Thunder, and students of Pascale Gatzen from Parsons The New School for Design in New York. Updates on the collaboration can be seen on the exhibition’s accompanying blog here.
The idea behind the collaboration is to explore the fusion between folk, fashion and the idea of a highly personalised and specifically designed wearable piece for the individual. This is a concept that has been the driving force behind research work by Painted. Working together to bring traditional Bulgarian textile arts into a contemporary wearable form the three women have been exploring what may evolve from changing the context of the traditional stitches and garments, changing the application of traditional embroideries or laces, and changing other elements of the same.
The idea of Governor’s Island being an island where both Dutch and American cultures can mix is addressed. So also is the idea of the body, taking shape here in the four walls of the ‘house’ the artists are inhabiting for 2 weeks. The house is being dressed according to the unique elements that formed it, both American and Dutch.
In this collaboration the artists are working on a series of vignettes that evolve as the exhibition grows. This is a thorough research approach, with pure exploration of ideas and materials at the source. Truly beautiful ideas lie on the floors, hang from the light fittings, or cling to the walls of the exhibition space.
The works are entirely free of commercial connection, the restraints of ‘end-product’ and market. They reflect the openness of exploration through design trials and play, a design process that is powerful and a great genesis for the development of intellectual thought and reflections in the visual. This free association by the hand-made is enviable and something that is essential for generating good design and products that hold the weight of thought behind them.
